12 months ago
Oil Exploration in Elephant Reserve Sparks Controversy
Imagine a forest where elephants live, and it's also where some companies want to dig for oil.
The government gave these companies permission to drill in an area called Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve, where many elephants live.
However, this area is very important for the elephants to move around and find food.
Some people are worried because oil drilling can pollute the water and disrupt the elephants' homes.
A video shows elephants getting upset because the area was fenced off for oil exploration.
Experts say this is bad for the elephants and should be stopped to protect their habitat.
The companies had already received permission to do some drilling in the area, and it’s causing a lot of controversy.
The Assam forest department allotted land within the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve for oil exploration.
Oilmax and Antelopus Energy are involved in the oil exploration activities.
The allotment covers an 8.91-sq-km area of prime elephant habitat.
A video shows elephants distressed by the fencing for oil exploration.
Wildlife activists and a forest official criticize the decision due to the disruption to elephant movement.
- Who
- Assam Forest Department, Oilmax Energy, Antelopus Energy, and elephants
- What
- The allotment of land within the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve for oil exploration.
- Where
- Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve (Duarmara block) in Assam.
- When
- Oilmax received environmental clearance on January 8, 2025. Permission to divert forest land was granted on December 24, 2024.
- Why
- The forest department allotted land for oil exploration, despite the area being prime elephant habitat and the potential for man-animal conflict.
Key facts
- Elephant Reserve
- Dehing Patkai
- Area Allotted
- 8.91 sq. km
- Companies Involved
- Oilmax Energy, Antelopus Energy
- Elephant Population (approx.)
- 500+
- Forest Diversion Granted
- 3.92 hectares
- PML Validity
- Until November 25, 2029
Quotes
Mridupaban Phukon
Wildlife activist who has documented the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve.
“This is a blatant assault on the elephants' right of passage. The video is irrefutable evidence of the disruption caused to the elephants' movement. It is all the more shocking because the Assam forest department has gone out of its way to accommodate the oil exploration lobby. The allotment for oil drilling should be rescinded immediately and the site made free to the elephants. This is prime elephant habitat and the animals have been using their territory for ages.”
assamtribune.com
A forest department official
A forest department official who had worked for years in the Dehing Patkai landscape
“Elephants need large areas for food and movement. Ironically, we are reducing their territory by increasingly encroaching upon their habitat. What is happening at the Duarmara block is very disturbing. Such vandalism on elephant habitat must stop”
assamtribune.com